streamline

[streem-lahyn]

noun

1. a teardrop line of contour offering the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, etc.

2. the path of a particle that is flowing steadily and without turbulence in a fluid past an object.

verb (used with object)

streamlined, streamlining 

1. to make streamlined.

2. to alter in order to make more efficient or simple.

adjective

1. streamlined.

streamline

/ ˈstriːmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a contour on a body that offers the minimum resistance to a gas or liquid flowing around it

2. an imaginary line in a fluid such that the tangent at any point indicates the direction of the velocity of a particle of the fluid at that point

verb

1. to make streamlined

streamline

1. To construct or reconstruct an object to reduce the amount of drag it undergoes as it moves through a fluid, especially air or water.

streamline

1. The line traced by a liquid or gas as it moves. Streamlines are most commonly used in describing the flow of a liquid or gas around a solid object.

A “streamlined” design is one in which objects that move through a gas or liquid are shaped to match these lines, and therefore reduce the energy required to produce that motion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of streamline¹

First recorded in 1870–75; stream + line ¹

Example Sentences

The call for evidence will focus on nine key recommendations from the Government's Licensing Taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues.

Read more on BBC

The county struggled to monitor rapidly unfolding events without streamlined coordination tools and operated with “unclear” and “outdated” policies and protocols when deciding when to send evacuation warnings and orders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Saraiya said Koerner has helped identify roadblocks to progress — such as the typical lead time in lining up utility services — and the county is working to streamline the entire rebuilding process for everyone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hours after taking office, Patel shifted 1,500 agents and staff from FBI headquarters to field offices, claiming that he was streamlining operations.

Read more on Salon

Officials at all levels promised to streamline the process.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• build 
• carve 
• construct 
• embody 
• fashion 
• forge 
• frame 
• mold 
• produce